Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

No OPT/CPT/F1 visas or sponsorship available. No visa transfers.

Location: Montgomery, AL

Schedule: Second Shift (2:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

Work Setting: Fully On‑Site

Relocation Assistance: Available

Compensation: Up to $93,000 base salary, plus overtime extra pay

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree required (Electrical Engineering preferred; other engineering disciplines considered).

Job Summary

The Senior Controls & Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting PLC/HMI-based control systems and automation equipment. This role performs complex technical tasks including equipment specification, programming, simulation, testing, system validation, commissioning, and process improvements.

This position supports manufacturing operations across all shifts and plays a key role in quality gate updates, robotics, vision systems, and torque/automation control systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop control panels, wiring schematics, panel layouts, and bills of materials.
• Read, interpret, and redline electrical schematic drawings.
• Support manufacturing operations and provide troubleshooting across all shifts.
• Implement and test change controls, develop corrective actions, and improve processes and equipment.
• Identify and communicate automation issues and risks.
• Coordinate testing and implementation with cross‑functional teams.
• Maintain automation documentation, including functional specs, parameters, and SOPs.
• Provide PLC/HMI programming support for equipment upgrades.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues in existing equipment.
• Develop electrical designs for new equipment and facility infrastructure projects.
• Support Six Sigma initiatives with hardware/software expertise.
• Lead projects to design, install, and modify plant equipment and processes.
• Design automation and control systems from field devices through PLC and SCADA platforms.
• Ensure designs comply with OSHA, NEC, NFPA, and other applicable codes.
• Support system commissioning, validation, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Assist in creating engineering standards and control system procedures.
• Supervise contractors and trades during system installations.
• Document problem areas, software defects, and troubleshooting insights.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of OSHA, NEC, NFPA regulatory standards.
• Experience with DCS programming.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering principles (system interactions, equipment sizing, etc.).
• Proficiency in HMI/SCADA configuration and PLC programming.
• Robotics and vision system experience.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.
• Visual Basic experience required.
• Strong computer and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience using Rockwell Automation tools such as:
• RSLogix
  500
• RSLogix
  5000
• Panel Builder
  32
• RSView
• RSLinx